Argentina star Lionel Messi curled in a sensational stoppage-time free kick in his Inter Miami debut to secure a 2-1 victory against Mexican side Cruz Azul.
Celebrities like tennis legend Serena Williams, basketball star LeBron James, and US TV sensation Kim Kardashian were among the 20,000-person throng.
"We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory," said Messi.
"We were aware that it was crucial for us to start this championship in a winning fashion . The good news is that we were able to accomplish it in the end , and I am really excited."
After leaving Paris St. Germain after his contract there expired, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner only trained with his teammates for the first time on Tuesday.
After leaving Barcelona, Messi spent two years with the French champions, where he scored 32 goals in 75 games. Messi declined lucrative offers to go abroad in favor of the US.
Although this was his first appearance for a club outside of Europe, he was joined on the field by a familiar face when he and former Barça teammate Sergio Busquets entered the game as part of a triple substitution in the 54th minute.
Jordi Alba, a defender for the Spain National Team , has also moved from Camp Nou and will be ready for Tuesday's Leagues Cup match against Atlanta United.
Inter Miami, who is currently last in the MLS standings with 11 games without a victory, gets a new start in the cup tournament between teams from the MLS and Mexico's LIGA MX.
Messi and the rest of the bench rose to their feet to applaud Robert Taylor's goal for the home team in the 44th minute, but Uriel Antuna of Cruz Azul had other ideas and wiped out Inter Miami's advantage with 25 minutes left.
Though Messi was brought down by Carlos Salcedo for a free kick just outside the penalty box in the closing seconds, in great range for his legendary left foot, Argentina's World Cup champion gave an iconic finish.
And he did not fail to deliver, sending the ball high and to the right of goalkeeper Andres Gudino, where it lodged in the far right corner.
After how we've performed in the league, Messi continued, "It is a huge joy to get this first victory."
Beyond the fact that it's another championship, it's vital to start winning because victories boost confidence.
Former England captain David Beckham, a co-owner of Inter Miami, sat in an executive box next to the dugout to witness Messi make his debut.
With the triumph coming 16 years to the day after his own MLS debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy, he was almost tearful at the final whistle.
The 48-year-old said, "To be honest, I felt this is how it's meant to end as soon as I saw the free-kick given.
"That is what guys like Leo and Sergio produce, especially when they are on the field."
"For our fans, tonight is really exciting. All of these spectators came down here to watch Leo just step onto the pitch , let alone just do what he's done. it is a dream come true for everyone in this stadium to see.
"It's such an important moment for this nation and this league."
here is the highlights of the match:
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